Battle to save buses

A BATTLE to save local bus services has been joined by Liberal Democrat councillors who plan to take the fight to Sheffield Town Hall.

The councillors’ campaign follows the announcement of a new Sheffield Bus Partnership between local bus companies.

The proposed partnership, which is a voluntary agreement between local companies, may see improvements to some routes but many residents could also lose out as a result of the changes.

Coun Anders Hanson, Lib Dem councillor for Nether Edge, is collecting a petition in support of residents on Psalter Lane, an area which would be left without a bus route under the new agreement.

He said: “The bus companies claim this agreement is an improvement but it’s left residents on Psalter Lane without a service. Strangely enough, the Labour councillors in our area seem to be supporting these proposals.”

Meanwhile Coun Roger Davison, Lib Dem councillor for Ecclesall, is campaigning against the removal of the 84 bus to Ringinglow.

He said: “I support any genuine improvements to the local bus services but it’s unfair for residents in Ringinglow to lose out as a result.

“Some elderly people in the village have no alternative form of transport.”

The proposals are set to be debated today at a meeting of Sheffield Council.

Liberal Democrats have put forward a motion calling on the council to address the problems and push towards a ‘re-regulated’ network.

Coun Ian Auckland, Sheffield Liberal Democrat spokesman for Transport, said: “We want these routes to be re-examined to ensure no community loses out as a result of the proposals.”